Sizewell C

Sizewell C is a significant energy infrastructure project under development on the Suffolk coast in the United Kingdom, representing a cornerstone of the nation's strategy to enhance energy security and achieve net-zero carbon emissions. The project entails the construction of a 3.2-gigawatt nuclear power station featuring two European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs). This facility is engineered to supply low-carbon electricity to approximately six million homes, which equates to around 7% of the UK's total electricity demand, for an operational life of at least 60 years. The project's design is a near-replica of the Hinkley Point C station in Somerset, a strategy intended to leverage existing designs and supply chains to improve efficiency and manage costs.

The development of Sizewell C has been a long-term endeavor, first earmarked for new nuclear development in 2010. Proposals were put forward by EDF Energy in 2012. A significant milestone was reached in July 2025 with the Final Investment Decision, which secured the full funding for the project. The project's ownership is structured as a consortium. As of July 2025, the UK Government is the largest shareholder with a 44.9% stake. Other major private investors include the Canadian investment group La Caisse (20%), British Gas parent company Centrica (15%), French energy group EDF (12.5%), and investment manager Amber Infrastructure (7.6%). This public-private partnership was formed after the exit of the original partner, China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), in 2022.

Sizewell C's business model is underpinned by the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) framework, a first for a UK nuclear project. This model allows for the project to start receiving revenue during the construction phase through a small levy on consumer energy bills, a departure from the contract-for-difference model used for Hinkley Point C. The total construction cost is estimated at approximately £38 billion. Once operational, the plant is projected to generate electricity at a price between £86 and £100 per megawatt-hour and is expected to save the UK electricity system £2 billion annually relative to other low-carbon technologies.

The project is a major economic driver, expected to support up to 70,000 jobs across the UK supply chain during its construction and operational phases. It is projected to inject £4 billion into the regional economy. Preliminary works on the site have been underway, with the Development Consent Order being triggered in January 2024, paving the way for formal construction to begin. The construction phase is expected to last between nine and twelve years, with the station anticipated to become operational in the mid to late 2030s.

Keywords: Sizewell C, nuclear power station, UK energy security, low-carbon electricity, EPR technology, European Pressurised Reactor, Regulated Asset Base (RAB), EDF, Centrica, La Caisse, Amber Infrastructure, Hinkley Point C replica, Suffolk coast, UK infrastructure project, net-zero emissions, public-private partnership, energy investment, nuclear construction, electricity generation, long-term energy supply, UK nuclear industry, clean energy project, baseload power, energy transition, major infrastructure